UNDAS COMPOSITE IMAGE FROM INQUIRER STOCK AND FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — Over 31,900 policemen were deployed nationwide to ensure public safety as the country observes All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day or Undas this year, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a press briefing on Thursday, PNP Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said they dispatched more police officers to brace for the influx of passengers in terminals across the country.
“The number of personnel we deployed nationwide has already reached 31,974; this includes those deployed in cemeteries, transport terminals, and major thoroughfares,” she said in Filipino.
Fajardo added that police regional offices have been on heightened alert since October 28 and started “soft deployment” since then.
She also reiterated that regional directors were given the discretion to increase the number of deployments “depending on the prevailing security situation in their respective areas.”
The PNP official said they have not yet monitored any serious threats other than those who brought prohibited items in cemeteries.
READ: PNP: Confiscated items at Manila North Cemetery may be claimed Nov. 3-4
Fajardo reminded the public to observe the guidelines released by local government units for cemeteries.
Earlier, the Manila government said the following are not allowed in the cemeteries:
- Vendors
- Firearms and sharp objects
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pets
- Guitars, loud sound systems
- Flammable materials, cigarettes, lighters
- Tarpaulins of private or political groups
Fajardo previously said that with the revitalized Pulis sa Barangay program, cops are also expected to patrol residential areas to prevent robbery-related crimes during the holiday.